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Preface
5 Planes of Existence
Introduction
Five Planes of Manifestation
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BIBLE VERSES
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PROCESSION OF THE EUCHARIST
A symbol of the process of salvation, i.e. the
descent of the Higher Self into the lower nature, and its ascent
therefrom in the souls of humanity.
The Divine Sacrifice or Victim (host), from his exalted place on the
highest plane (high altar), descends as the real presence (wafer) in
the Sun of righteousness (monstrance), into the lower nature of the
soul (nave). This descent is beautifully symbolised in the
procession of the mass from the high altar. The spiritual mind
(chief priest) holds to his "heart" the Divine Presence (sacred
element) in the shadow of the higher nature (canopy). The higher
qualities (priests and acolytes), surround the Incarnate Christ
(host) in the descent of the Spirit into matter (involution). At the
lowest point on the physical plane (farthest from altar) the descent
ends, and the ascent commences in the return of the soul to God,
until finally Christ, with his perfected saints, ascend to the
higher planes (altar) in glory and power, and the process of
salvation is fulfilled in evolution.
Every detail of the ceremony is wonderfully true in its inner
meaning. The vestments of the priests signify the higher virtues—the
robes of truth, beauty and goodness, and the white garments of
purity. The two swinging censers facing the priests signify the
Wisdom and Love ever purifying the qualities in the soul's long
pilgrimage. The lighted candles held by the acolytes are symbolic of
the light of truth illuminating men's minds. The canopy with four
supports indicates the obscuration of Spirit in the lower nature, or
underworld. The congregation of worshippers are the lower mental
qualities reverencing the higher, and turning away from darkness to
the adoration of the Light, while the music they hear is a symbol of
the harmony that attends the exercise of the higher qualities in the
region of the blest.
“‘The spirit shall return to God who gave it.’ Let us suppose a
procession, say, on Ascension Day. It leaves the High Altar, goes
round the great church, or perhaps, in some favoured place, leaves
the church and goes through the streets of the town, re-enters the
church and returns to the Altar again. ‘I came forth from the
Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world and go
to the Father.’” - R. L. G. in The Nation, July 31, 1920.
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